Complications during labor and delivery are not uncommon. While most of the time everything turns out fine, there is the chance that your child could be seriously injured. If you believe medical negligence was the cause of your child’s injuries, you may be entitled to file a birth injury claim.
By consulting with medical negligence lawyers, you can learn if you have a legitimate claim. If so, you may be entitled to compensation that addresses your child’s current and future medical expenses, along with other damages.
Filing a Birth Injury Claim Stemming from Asphyxia
Asphyxia is a condition that results when the body is deprived of oxygen. During labor and delivery, oxygen deprivation could cause brain damage, which can lead to various complications.
In many cases, asphyxia can be prevented. If a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to monitor the baby properly or doesn’t respond appropriately to any signs of distress, he or she may be held liable through a birth injury claim. Medical negligence lawyers can explain your rights.
Complications of Asphyxia
One of the complications that can happen when the child suffers from asphyxia is the development of cerebral palsy. This disorder causes movement, muscle tone and motor skill impairments. There are other health issues that can arise, including problems with hearing, vision, speech and learning.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, with special therapy, medical treatment, education and equipment, a child’s quality of life can be improved. A birth injury claim may be able to address all of these expenses.
Another complication of asphyxia is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. This type of brain injury can accompany cerebral palsy. Other effects include learning disabilities, epilepsy, mental retardation and seizures.
Liability in a Birth Injury Claim
Medical negligence lawyers can help determine who may be held liable for your child’s injuries. When asphyxia is a complication during labor and delivery, there may be ways to prevent an injury such as performing an emergency c-section. A failure to take appropriate measures to protect the child may lead to the filing of a birth injury claim against the negligent party.
Negligence may be found with the obstetrician, nurse, physician or any other healthcare professional who acted or failed to act in a safe manner. A lawyer will carefully analyze the details of your case to determine this.
Damages in a Birth Injury Claim
Damages can address the medical expenses you have incurred as a result of your child’s injuries. If your child faces future medical costs, whether it is therapy, surgery or special educational services, these may be addressed through a claim as well.
In addition, you may be entitled to damages that cover pain and suffering, reduced quality of life and more. Medical negligence lawyers will consider all of the financial, physical and emotional losses that your child and family have suffered.
Help from Medical Negligence Lawyers
Lawyers who have experience handling birth injury claims may be able to help. Proving medical negligence isn’t easy, so you will need qualified and knowledgeable legal counsel.
A lawyer may be able to utilize experts who can help in examining results from tests or screenings such as a CT scan or an MRI. Fetal monitor strips and any other documentation related to your child’s labor and delivery may help in proving medical negligence.
This is why seeking help from medical negligence lawyers is important, as they know the best way to proceed with collecting evidence for your claim. Additionally, they may be able to assist with other aspects of the claims process including the completion of forms and paperwork.
Contacting Medical Negligence Lawyers
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one as a result of doctor negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a medical negligence law firm can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a claim is right for you.
At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of lawyers that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
